Development and Characterization of PLA-Based Green Nanocomposite Films for Sustainable Packaging Applications

Abstract

The non-biodegradability of the packaging materials made from plastic causes harmful effects on the environment and human health. Nanocellulose, starch, chitosan in native and modified forms derived from natural resources can be potential reinforcements for the packaging materials. Nanocellulose from sugarcane bagasse was obtained through a combination of chemical treatments and mechanical grinding process and then incorporated in different amounts to poly lactic acid (PLA) to prepare nanocomposite films by the solvent casting method. The prepared films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (×RD), Fourier-Transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), penetration resistance, optical and barrier properties. The incorporation of nanocellulose significantly influenced the crystallinity and barrier properties of the films. Enhancement in the hydrophobic nature and penetration resistance was also seen for the PLA-based nanocomposite films. The experimental results proved that the present films can be utilized in food packaging and other packaging applications as well.

Keywords

• nanocellulose
• natural fiber
• poly lactic acid
• film
• biopolymer
• characterization